Jamie Dishington dares to dream of Capital league glory
Jamie Dishington is very much dreaming of double success when the Scottish football season draws to a close in May.
The Spartans midfielder is helping his side lead the charge at the summit of League Two, the Capital outfit currently eight points clear of nearest challengers East Kilbride ahead of their table-topping clash at K-Park this weekend.
And when he's not pulling on the red and white of Spartans, the 29-year-old is very much a Tynecastle regular to cheer on boyhood heroes Hearts, who are also riding the crest of a wave at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Dishington has allowed himself to dream of double league title glory this summer, but acknowledges there is still a lot of work ahead on both fronts.
"It's a massive game this weekend," Dishington told the Evening News. "Everyone involved is fully aware. We know we can open up a 11-point gap win a win, albeit they have a game in hand. The gaffer always stresses he wants to win the head-to-heads and if we are to win on Saturday, that would make it three wins in the league against East Kilbride while also knocking them out of the Scottish Cup.
"East Kilbride and Clyde are still on our tails but as long as we do our job, going into the second half of the season it's definitely there for us.
"We have a very experienced squad, with good individual players. I always knew we'd have a chance this season. There was a lot of hype around East Kilbride before a ball was kicked with the players they had signed. But I think that has helped us in a way because we have kind of went under the radar. A lot of people had tipped us to finish mid-table or thereabouts but I always knew we'd be in the mix. It's been really enjoyable so far."
"Asked if opponents Kilby will feel they are now in must-win territory, Dishington said: "I think so. They've always said their aim is to win the league, whereas we've never really said that. All the pressure is on them this weekend to be honest, so it's a good position for us to be in."
The Jambos have their eye on a first Scottish top-flight league title in 66 years and have a three-point lead over second-placed Rangers, who have played a game more. Dishington is rightly cautious over the Gorgie men's title aspirations with both halves of the Old Firm breathing down their neck. However, he believes they have all the ingredients to go and deliver the unthinkable.
"It's a tough one," he explained. "I think the way Hearts have gone about their business has been brilliant, getting their signings done early on, so everything seems in place for it to happen.
"You never want to speak too soon but Hearts have never been in this position for a long time. It's dare to dream now, though, isn't it? I think Hearts are going to have to try and win every game, but in terms of Martin O'Neill coming back in at Celtic, when he was there earlier they didn't play your Rangers, Hearts, or Motherwell.
"I suppose they took care of everyone else but he still has the same players. I suspect they will sign big this month and I do think they will improve. Rangers were also pretty poor when they were at Tynecastle last month.
"With Celtic coming to Tynecastle at the end of the month, I think the result of that will be a good indicator of how things might pan out. Going into the split will also be a huge few weeks, too.
"It's exciting and could be the wildest May on record if we win the league and so do Hearts! Throw going to Ibiza into the mix too!"